A pioneering project by computer scientists at the University of Lincoln to create a virtual blacksmith simulator was featured this weekend on BBC Look North.
Led by Dr John Murray from the School of Computer Science, the project is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and is designed to revive the process of crafting techniques and craftsmanship for a new generation.
Together with his students, Dr Murray has created a virtual reality blacksmith’s forge so that people can experience the environment of a forge and try out the techniques for themselves using bespoke software that integrates human motion capture tracking sensors. Users can also produce their own artefact, created in the virtual reality forge, by 3D printing it as a keepsake.
Providing a 21st century take on blacksmithing, the Heritage Craft Simulation project has been developed in partnership with Chain Bridge Forge in Spalding.
BBC Look North featured the project on Sunday 18th December 2016, and the programme is now available to view on BBC iPlayer (from 03:00): http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b084jmcl/look-north-east-yorkshire-and-lincolnshire-weekend-news-18122016
Visit the University website for more details about the project: http://www.lincoln.ac.uk/news/2014/05/887.asp